Painting Wevo Shifter

[reesestewww]

I'm considering painting (vs. powder coating) my Wevo shifter base. Has anyone gone through this process?

Here's what I've learned from some researching if I chose to paint it.

First I need to use a metal prep like POR 15, then a primer, then paint.

Questions: How far down/smooth do I sand the aluminum surface? After adding a prep/primer/paint will the small imperfections show? If you make it too smooth is that bad for paint adhesion?

Thanks!

[gtc]

POR15 is probably overkill. Just get it smooth, prime, sand, and paint.
Rustoleum paint and primer work well on aluminum (lots of people use it for DIY Fuchs painting)
If there are surface imperfections, they will show. You could use some high build primer to hide them.

[Ayles]

Just got mine powder coated. Looks great! They did all the prep too which made it easy.

[reesestewww]

Originally Posted by Ayles

Just got mine powder coated. Looks great! They did all the prep too which made it easy.

Ayles what was the cost if you don't mind me asking? Just curious so if I do decide to have it PC'd I'll know if they're off their rocker!

[reesestewww]

Originally Posted by gtc

POR15 is probably overkill. Just get it smooth, prime, sand, and paint.
Rustoleum paint and primer work well on aluminum (lots of people use it for DIY Fuchs painting)
If there are surface imperfections, they will show. You could use some high build primer to hide them.

Thanks gtc. Good advice on high build primer.

[Ayles]

I think it was $90. Which, i was surprised at the cost but did it anyway. I live in Seattle so figure everything being a bit more expensive... It could probably be done for a lot less elsewhere.

[reesestewww]

Just dropped it off at a local patio furniture manufacture that does a TON of powder coating. Estimate.... $10-$15. I'll let you know how it turns out!

[tobluforu]

Originally Posted by reesestewww

Just dropped it off at a local patio furniture manufacture that does a TON of powder coating. Estimate.... $10-$15. I'll let you know how it turns out!

That's a steel, if they do a good job, use them often. You would be surprised what one can PC. If you want to use a custom color, most these shops will take what you give them. I have had a few things PC with the paint that brought in. When I say paint, I mean power which one can buy online.

[Ayles]

Wow! That is cheap, i wish there was something like that near by.

[gtc]

Ayles, if you are doing a common color like gloss black, they can often throw in your part with someone elses big batch for a small charge like that. Powder Coating Inc in Mukilteo has done this for me.

[Ayles]

Thanks for the recommendation on the Mukilteo shop! Too bad I don't have anything left to get coated.

[reesestewww]

Got the shifter casing back from the PC'er. The price was $15 and can't say it's the best work, far from it actually. However it looks great from a few feet away, and certainly a lot better than the pic in post #1. Overall I'm very please with the way it turned out. Just the look I wanted!

Cheers!